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Drawing paper pads are a favorite among artists, known for their ease of use and quick accessibility. Whether used for doodling, sketching, or professional artworks, the type of paper you use is fundamental to the success of your creation. Therefore, identifying the best drawing paper pads suited to your style and medium is critical.
Quality drawing paper should be thick enough to prevent any bleeding or smudging from the ink, pencil, or paint used. Though essential, the paper should also allow for easy erasing and corrections. Paper that’s too thin will tear or show indentations too readily and can make artwork look less professional.
When shopping for drawing pads, it’s essential to look at the paper’s weight and texture. The paper should offer a good surface for your medium of choice and, if textured, should complement the style you’re going for. The drawing pad should have a firm cover to protect your artwork and be easy to flip through for convenience during the creative process.
Through this article, we will guide you in choosing the best drawing paper pads. We’ve put numerous pads to the test, evaluating their quality, versatility, user-friendliness, and price. Having researched and tested extensively, we aim to help you make an informed decision, ensuring that your next masterpiece finds a platform worthy of its vision.
Best Drawing Paper Pads
By paying attention to the details that matter, such as the paper weight, texture, and pad features, you can find the right drawing paper for your creative needs. As the wide range of options can be daunting, we’ve collated the highlights of our testing journey into this comprehensive list of the best drawing pads available, facilitating a smooth decision-making process.
iBayam 9″ x 12″ Premium Sketch Book Set, 1-Pack Spiral Bound Drawing Paper, 100 Sheets (68lb/100gsm) Sketchbook, Acid-Free Art Drawing Painting Sketching Pad Supplies for Kids, Teens, Adults, Artists
If you’re looking for a sketchbook that can handle heavy drawing and painting without bleeding through to the next page, then the iBayam 9″ x 12″ Premium Sketch Book Set is a great option.
Pros
- The spiral binding of the sketchbook makes it easy to draw on your lap or any flat surface.
- The high-quality acid-free paper is thick enough to prevent ink from bleeding through to the next page.
- The sketchbook is perfect for drawing, sketching, painting, doodling, journaling, mind mapping, and more.
Cons
- The sketchbook cover is made of paper, so it may not hold up as well as a hardcover sketchbook.
- The sketchbook is only available in one color (black).
- The sketchbook may not be suitable for those who prefer a larger or smaller size.
We’ve used this sketchbook for various drawing and painting projects, and we’re impressed with its quality. The paper is thick enough to handle heavy drawing and painting without bleeding through to the next page. The spiral binding makes it easy to draw on your lap or any flat surface, which is especially convenient when you’re on the go.
The only downside is that the sketchbook cover is made of paper, so it may not hold up as well as a hardcover sketchbook. However, for the price, we think this sketchbook is a great value. If you’re looking for a versatile sketchbook that can handle heavy drawing and painting, the iBayam 9″ x 12″ Premium Sketch Book Set is definitely worth considering.
Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad (9 x 12 inches) – 50 Sheets, 3-Pack – Coloring Art Pads For Kids, Toddler Sketch Pads For Ages 3+
If you’re looking for a high-quality sketch pad for your child, the Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 9 x 12-inch size is perfect for young artists to draw and create.
- The sturdy cardboard cover keeps pages from falling out and protects artwork.
- The perforated sheets make it easy to remove artwork without damaging the pad.
Cons
- The pad only contains 50 sheets, so it may not last very long for frequent artists.
- The pad is a bit bulky, so it may not be ideal for taking on the go.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other sketch pads on the market.
Our family has used the Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad for our young artist, and we’ve been very pleased with its quality and durability. The 9 x 12-inch size is perfect for our child’s age and skill level, and the sturdy cardboard cover has prevented any pages from falling out. We also appreciate the perforated sheets, which make it easy to remove artwork without damaging the pad.
One potential downside is that the pad only contains 50 sheets, so it may not last very long for frequent artists. Additionally, the pad is a bit bulky, so it may not be ideal for taking on the go. Finally, the price point is a bit higher than some other sketch pads on the market, but we feel that the quality justifies the cost.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality sketch pad for your child, the Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper Pad is definitely worth considering.
Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad, 9×12 inch, 100 Sheets, Tape Bound – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students
If you’re looking for an affordable sketchbook that is perfect for practicing your drawing and sketching skills, then the Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 9×12 inch format is perfect for a variety of subjects and compositions.
- The paper is acid-free, which means your artwork won’t be damaged over time.
- The tape binding is sturdy and holds the pages together well.
Cons
- The paper is slightly textured, which may not be ideal for some artists.
- The pages are not perforated, which can make it difficult to remove drawings without damaging the book.
- The sketchbook is only available in white.
We’ve used the Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its overall quality. The paper is thick enough to handle multiple layers of graphite and charcoal without showing through to the other side, which is great for creating detailed sketches. The book is also versatile enough to work with a variety of drawing tools, including pens and markers.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paper is slightly textured, which may not be ideal for some artists. However, we found that this texture actually added character to our sketches and gave them a unique look. Additionally, the pages are not perforated, which can make it difficult to remove drawings without damaging the book. However, this is a common issue with many sketchbooks, so it’s not a deal-breaker.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable sketchbook that is perfect for practicing your drawing and sketching skills, then the Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering. Its sturdy construction, acid-free paper, and versatile format make it a great choice for artists of all levels.
Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set, Spiral Bound, Pack of 2, 200 Sheets (100g/m2), Acid-Free Drawing Paper, Ideal for Kids, Teens & Adults
If you’re looking for a high-quality sketchbook set for your artistic endeavors, the Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set comes with two 9×12 inch sketchbooks, providing a total of 200 sheets of acid-free drawing paper, making it an ideal choice for those who want to practice their sketching skills on a larger scale.
- The paper is thick and durable, with a weight of 100g/m2, ensuring that your sketches won’t be ruined by bleed-through or ghosting.
- The spiral binding of the sketchbooks allows for easy and comfortable use, whether you’re working at a desk or on the go.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the spiral binding can make it difficult to flip through the pages without the book bending or warping.
- The sketchbooks do not come with a protective cover, so you’ll need to provide your own if you want to keep your artwork safe and secure.
- The price point may be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we were very impressed with the quality and durability of the Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set. The paper is thick and sturdy, allowing for smooth and even sketching without any annoying bleed-through or ghosting. The spiral binding is a nice touch, as it allows for easy and comfortable use whether you’re working at a desk or on the go.
One potential downside to keep in mind is that some users have reported issues with the spiral binding causing the sketchbooks to bend or warp when flipping through the pages. However, we didn’t experience this issue ourselves and it may vary depending on how heavily you use the sketchbooks.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the sketchbooks do not come with a protective cover, so you’ll need to provide your own if you want to keep your artwork safe and secure. This may be a minor inconvenience for some, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for a more complete package.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Artisto 9×12″ Premium Sketch Book Set to anyone looking for a high-quality sketchbook set for their artistic endeavors. The paper is top-notch, the spiral binding is convenient and comfortable to use, and the overall quality of the set is sure to impress.
9 x 12 inches Sketch Book, Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 1 Pack 100-Sheets (68lb/100gsm), Acid Free Art Sketchbook Artistic Drawing Painting Writing Paper for Kids Adults Beginners Artists
If you’re looking for a spiral-bound sketchbook that is perfect for both beginners and professionals, then the 9 x 12 inches Sketch Book by Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 100-sheet pack contains 90 pages for drawing, which is enough to satisfy your creativity without having to worry about running out of paper.
- The spiral binding makes it easy to sketch and draw, and the book lies flat on any surface, which is perfect for sketching.
- The sketchbook is made of high-quality paper that is acid-free and has a smooth finish, which makes it ideal for use with various drawing tools, including graphite pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolor, and acrylic.
Cons
- The sketchbook cover is made of thick paper, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The spiral binding may not be as sturdy as other types of bindings, which may cause the pages to become detached over time.
- The sketchbook may not be suitable for use with heavy materials such as oil paints.
The 9 x 12 inches Sketch Book by Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad is a great choice for anyone who enjoys sketching and drawing. The sketchbook is perfect for use as a field journal, diary, travel journal, sketchbook, notepad, school journal, work journal, daily planner, drawing practice, doodle sketchbook, art journal, and more.
The sketchbook is suitable for use by artists, students, teachers, professionals, adults, and kids. It is ideal for use in various settings, including school, office, home, studio, and outdoors. The sketchbook is a perfect gift for artists, students, teachers, professionals, adults, and kids who love to draw.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality spiral-bound sketchbook that is perfect for both beginners and professionals, then the 9 x 12 inches Sketch Book by Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best drawing paper pads, there are a few important factors to consider. We’ve used and tested a variety of options, and we’ve found that the following features can make a big difference in the quality of your artwork.
Paper Weight
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a drawing paper pad is the weight of the paper. A heavier paper weight will generally hold up better to repeated erasing and layering of pencil or pen strokes. We recommend looking for a paper weight of at least 100 pounds, but higher weights can be even better.
Paper Texture
Another important feature to consider is the texture of the paper. A smooth paper can be great for detailed work, but a slightly textured paper can add some character and depth to your artwork. Look for a paper texture that suits your personal style and the type of artwork you plan to create.
Size and Format
Drawing paper pads come in a variety of sizes and formats, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. If you plan to work on larger pieces, you’ll want a larger pad. If you prefer to work in a specific format, such as landscape or portrait, make sure to choose a pad that fits that format.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration when buying art supplies. While it’s important to invest in quality materials, you don’t want to overspend. Look for a drawing paper pad that fits your budget while still offering the features you need.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best drawing paper pad for your needs and create artwork that looks and feels great.
